Transfer: Why I joined Queens Park Rangers — Balogun

Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun, has opened up on his decision to join Sky Bet Championship club, Queens Park Rangers this summer.

The experienced centre-back moved to Loftus Road on a free transfer after severing ties with Scottish Premiership giants, Glasgow Rangers.

Balogun attracted the interest of a number of clubs but opted for the London side.

The desire to work with Michael Beale, who was assistant coach to Steven Gerrard during his time at Rangers played a key role in his decision

“It was a long summer,” said Balogun, via West London Sport.

“I stayed up in Glasgow the whole time just trying to stay fit and not to lose my mind, but it was very, very challenging. I can’t lie.

“That’s the game nowadays. They see a certain number, which is the age, and they are like ‘nah’.

That’s what I had to deal with loads at the beginning, which obviously made it even more challenging because I know what I’m still capable of. It was just a matter of who is out there that believed in it?

“When QPR really had a go at me, I was like ‘right, let’s get this over the line. Let me reunite with Mick and see if we can be as successful as possible’.”

The 34-year-old has made eight league appearances for QPR with a goal to his name.